Upneeq Eye Lifting Drops

What is Upneeq?

Upneeq is an FDA approved eye drop used to treat acquired blepharoptosis (low-lying lids) in adults. The ophthalmic solution itself contains the primary ingredient oxymetazoline hydrochloride and can be used once daily to lift the eyelids and widen your eyes for up to 8 hours. While these eye drops cannot be obtained over the counter, Dr. Schwarzburg is one of the first physicians that offers Upneeq at his clinic. Upneeq can be used by most healthy adults with the desire to lift their eyelids and open their eyes, though the confirmed candidacy from a qualified physician is required for the product to be prescribed and obtained.

Why is Upneeq so popular?

Droopy eyelids are a common concern in adults experiencing visible signs of aging. In addition, many of us, regardless of our age, simply want to brighten and open our eyes for aesthetic purposes.

Before Upneeq, the only way to lift and open the eyes was through blepharoplasty (eyelid lift surgery), involving a painful downtime and lengthy recovery and any other surgical complications. Though Upneeq will not give you more dramatic results than those of a surgical procedure, these eye drops do allow you to lift the upper eyelid by up to 3 mm upon use, giving you a noticeable difference within only 15 minutes. Upneeq is not only ideal for more mature patients with blepharoptosis who are noticing their lids becoming heavier, but for adult patients of all ages who simply want to achieve a more alert, awake, and “wide-eyed” look. 

Whether you had a long night out and don’t want to look tired at work the next day, want to brighten your eyes for a date, or overall just want your eyes to appear larger, Upneeq could be an option for you.

Upneeq is easy to use and can be used daily. One drop per eye will lift your eyelids for up to 8 hours, allowing patients to decide when and where they want to reap the benefits of these noninvasive eye drops. 

Upneeq is the first non-surgical and noninvasive treatment for eyelid ptosis that can be used on a daily or “as needed” basis.

How does Upneeq work?

Upneeq was originally designed to treat acquired blepharoptosis, a condition causing the upper eyelids to become weaker and droop. This product is an alpha adrenergic agonist and consists of oxymetazoline hydrochloride ophthalmic solution, 0.1%. Oxymetazoline, the primary ingredient, causes a certain muscle (the superior levator palpebrae, also called Mueller’s muscle) in the eyelid to contract, resulting in a temporary lifting effect. 

In short, Upneeq works by temporarily contracting a muscle in the eyelid, allowing an average of 1 – 3 mm of eyelid lift upon application. 

Who is a candidate for Upneeq?

Upneeq is ideal for an overall healthy adult with mild to severe eyelid ptosis (sagging). Whether your goal is to lift droopy eyelids that have come with aging, or to brighten and temporarily widen your eyes for a special occasion, you may be a candidate for Upneeq. 

The best way to confirm that you are a candidate is to consult with a board certified physician to go over your medical history and to disclose all of your medications and supplements. Upneeq has the potential to interfere with certain medications including beta-blockers, anti-hypertensive medications, cardiac glycosides, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors. If you have glaucoma, you are not a candidate for this treatment. Because Upneeq has not been studied on pregnant or breast feeding patients, it is not recommended for use in this particular population.

How do I prepare for Upneeq?

Generally there is not much preparation needed for Upneeq as long as you have consulted with, and are confirmed a candidate by Dr. Schwarzburg. Before use, be sure that the liquid is clear, not cloudy, and has not changed in color. If you wear contact lenses, take them out before applying the drops, and replace them 15 minutes after use (this also applies to any other eye medications such as drops or ointments). If you are taking any of the medications listed above, please consult with your provider before using Upneeq.

What is the process like when using Upneeq? How are droopy eyelids treated?

Before applying Upneeq, read through the instructions provided in the package containing your prescription vials. Upneeq should only be used in the affected eye (or eyes), as instructed by your provider. If you are wearing contact lenses, they should be taken out before applying the drops, and reinserted 15 minutes after application. 

While applying your Upneeq eye drops, tilt your head back and look upward while pulling down your lower eyelid to make space and resist your natural reflex to close your eye. The dropper should be held directly above your eye as you carefully apply one drop. Follow by gently closing your eyes and allowing the product to settle without anything leaking out. You may feel the need to blink or rub your eyes, though you should resist this urge for 30 – 60 seconds for optimal results. If you do miss a drop, try again and repeat the same steps on the second eye if needed. During this process, be sure not to let the tip of the vial touch your eye to avoid eye injury or contamination. You can discard your one-use vial after you have applied one drop into the eye(s) to be treated.

How long does it take to see a difference?

Upneeq is a medication that can be used on a daily or “as needed” basis. After you apply the product, results should be evident within 15 minutes.

Are there any Upneeq risks and side effects? What are the most common side effects of Upneeq?

Upneeq is FDA approved as a safe and effective treatment for drooping eyelids in patients that are confirmed candidates by qualified and experienced medical experts. While rare, 1% – 5% of patients may experience inflammation, redness, dryness, irritation, headaches, or blurred vision after applying this product. Be sure to consult with your provider if you are taking any prescription medications or have any medical history concerning your eyes to avoid the risk of potential side effects.

Is there aftercare or downtime with Upneeq?

Upneeq requires zero aftercare or downtime. If you plan on driving or operating heavy machinery, it is recommended to wait up to 15 minutes before doing so after the application of your eye drops.

How much does Upneeq cost?

Upneeq is not sold in individual use vials but in packages. As such, the price of this product can range $250 to $800 depending on how many vials are in your prescribed package. Upneeq can only be acquired by physicians, meaning that you must be approved by an M.D. in order to get a prescription. Depending on the qualifications and experience of your provider, the price of your package may also be affected.

What are droopy eyelids (blepharoptosis)?

Blepharoptosis is the medical term for droopy eyelids, blepharo meaning eyelid, and ptosis meaning sagging. Droopy or saggy eyelids can make you look older, tired, and make your eyes appear smaller than they typically are. In addition, they may make your vision blurry and affect the overall function of your eyes. This can be due to aging, medical conditions, lifestyle, or even Botox administered by an inexperienced injector affecting the eyelid muscles.

What is acquired blepharoptosis, and how is it different?

Congenital droopy eyelids are present from birth, while Acquired Blepharoptosis can develop in later stages of life in which the muscles in your eyelids begin to weaken, causing them to sag or droop. This can also be caused by medical conditions, contact lenses, or eye surgeries. 

Can I combine Upneeq with other treatments?

Yes! Upneeq is a medication that can be used on a daily or “as needed” basis. Many patients combine this treatment with Juvederm or Restylane injected into the tear troughs to further rejuvenate and brighten the eyes by reducing or eliminating under eye hollows and dark circles. Under eye fillers are often paired with cheek filler to even out and contour one’s facial structure. 

In addition, Botox and other neurotoxins such as Dysport can be injected in the muscles surrounding the eyes to reduce and eliminate crow’s feet, as well as in the frontalis muscle located in the forehead for an eyebrow lift, which in some cases may also add an additional lift to the upper eyelids.

Facial lifting can apply to various areas of the face and may also be addressed using skin tightening treatments including Fraxel and Secret RF, alongside PDO thread lift if deemed appropriate by Dr. Schwarzburg.

Can I use Upneeq with my other eye drops?

In most cases, you can use Upneeq with other eye drops. However, after using this product you should wait 15 minutes before using any other eye drops or reinserting your contact lenses. Before you start using Upneeq you should consult with your provider to ensure that it is safe for you to use both eye drops.

How does Upneeq compare to eyelid lift surgery?

Eyelid lift surgery, also called blepharoplasty, involves a surgical incision to trim and lift the eyelid. Post procedural downtime may take up to 2 or 3 weeks with long lasting results. 

Upneeq can be used daily or as needed to temporarily lift the eyelids by 1 – 3 mm for approximately 8 hours. While the lift accomplished using Upneeq may not be as dramatic as that of a surgical blepharoplasty, Upneeq allows patients to instantaneously lift the eyelids without the potential risks, side effects, and downtime associated with surgical intervention. 

How many times a day can I use Upneeq?

Upneeq is only to be used as prescribed by your provider, which is typically one dose a day. Depending on your individual case and at Dr. Schwarzburg’s discretion, Upneeq may not be required for daily use but rather “as needed”.

Does Upneeq hurt?

No, Upneeq is not painful and is comparable to the feeling that you would experience when using any over-the-counter eye drops. In some cases, one may undergo mild discomfort or dryness, which will subside as the medication wears off over the course of a few hours.

When will I see results?

Upon application, you should notice visible results within 15 minutes. 

What will my Upneeq before and after results look like?

Before using Upneeq you will have heavy or droopy looking eyelids making you appear tired and older. Once your Upneeq has settled, your upper eyelids will be lifted by 1 – 3 mm making you appear more alert and your eyes appear larger and lifted. This will result in a more youthful and overall brighter look.

How long does Upneeq last?

Clinical studies have found that Upneeq typically lasts 5 – 8 hours on average, depending on the severity of each patient’s case and their individual response to the treatment.

Is it covered by insurance?

Upneeq is provided by RVL pharmacy which does not accept payments from insurance providers. At Skinly, we accept flexible spending FSA and HSA cards.

Does Upneeq work? Is Upneeq FDA approved to be safe and effective?

Several clinical trials were conducted to establish the safety and efficacy of Upneeq in order to gain its FDA approval. Oxymetazoline hydrochloride is the main ingredient in this product, which is also the primary ingredient found in decongestant nasal spray, which works by stimulating blood vessel contraction. In Upneeq, oxymetazoline hydrochloride contracts eyelid muscles, resulting in a temporarily upper eyelid lift of 1 – 3 mm.

Can Upneeq cause rebound redness?

Rebound redness, also called rebound hyperemia, is a persistent redness that may occur after consistent use of certain eye drops that relieve redness by constricting blood vessels, as your eyes become accustomed to their effects. Upneeq is not designed for redness relief, though the active ingredient may have a redness reducing effect on the eye. While rebound redness is not a known or common side effect of Upneeq, if you do experience increased redness or any other symptoms after using this medication, be sure to contact your provider to ensure that there are no underlying issues.

What are pros and cons associated with Upneeq?

Pros:

• Non-invasive
• Minimal to no side effects
• Only takes 15 minutes to see results

Cons:

• Not permanent
• Must be prescribed by an M.D.
• Not covered by insurance

Takeaway

Upneeq is a non-invasive prescription eye drop that can be used daily to treat ptosis (droopy or heavy eyelids). While most healthy adults are a candidate for this medication, it is important to consult with a board certified physician such as Dr. Schwarzburg to get a prescription to safely and effectively use it. Upneeq works almost instantly, showing its upper eyelid lifting effects within 15 minutes post-application, lasting up to 8 hours.

How can I get started with my Upneeq treatment?

If you are experiencing ptosis, heavy or droopy eyelids, or are looking for a solution to tired looking eyes, Upneeq may be right for you. In order to obtain Upneeq eye drops, you can consult with Dr. Schwarzburg, who will examine your eyes and consider your medical history to confirm whether you are a candidate for the treatment. Dr. Schwarzburg is a board certified cosmetic physician with over a decade of experience and offers a variety of treatments that can be used to your aesthetic benefit at his boutique clinic on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. 

To schedule your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Schwarzburg, please contact the clinic by calling or text (212) 774-4264, or emailing us at info@skinlyaesthetics.com.